Ochre in AP Art History

Definition

Ochre is a natural earth pigment that ranges in color from yellow to red. It has been used by various cultures throughout history as a pigment for cave paintings, body decoration, and other forms of art.

Related terms

Cave paintings: Ochre was commonly used in prehistoric cave paintings as one of the main pigments. It provided vibrant colors for depicting animals and symbols.

Body painting: Many indigenous cultures use ochre as body paint for ceremonial or decorative purposes. It adds color and symbolism to the human form.

Natural pigments:

Ochre falls under the category of natural pigments, which are derived from minerals or organic sources. Other examples include charcoal, clay, and indigo.